The benefits of having a Teen Court in Oakwood include local resolution of cases; handling cases without official Court action; promptness; creative and innovative case disposition; parental involvement; and creating a positive experience for panel members and diversion participants.

The procedure for Teen Court is as follows: 1) teen makes a mistake, receives citation or summons; 2) one chance for Teen Court, not available to repeat offenders; 3) “opt-in” procedure: offender can choose Juvenile Court; 4) confidential, parent and offender, no attorneys; 5) recusal, sworn, explanation; and, 6) deliberation and sanction. Teen Court is available to all eligible offenders, regardless of whether they reside in Oakwood.

Some common offenses handled by the Teen Court are: pedestrian offenses: jay-walking; traffic offenses: speeding, stop signs, red lights, minor accidents, seat belt violations; and, criminal offenses: smoking violations, underage drinking, criminal damaging, vandalism. The following are not eligible: alcohol-related traffic offenses (OVI, etc.), crimes of violence (assault, domestic violence), and felonies.

The goal of Teen Court is to give constructive sanctions that fit the crime. Juvenile Court encourages the Teen Court to be creative and innovative in developing options for sanctions. The typical range of options include: warnings, “fines” (donation to D.A.R.E. program or charitable organization), unofficial driver’s license suspension, essay/term paper or community service.

There are many benefits of Teen Court. For offenders, there is no official record, no attorney is needed, and offenders do not miss school to appear in Montgomery County Juvenile Court. For Teen Court Judges, volunteer work is made available and an introduction to civic work, courts, and the law is created.

The Public Safety Department is responsible for the initial charge, eligibility screening, participant/parent notification, scheduling and case-tracking, Juvenile Court referrals (when necessary), and maintenance of records.

The Teen Court Advisor is responsible for running the court proceedings. The advisor selects the court panels, runs bi-monthly meetings, serves in an advisory capacity with the Teen Court panel, and maintains all documentation and record-keeping to ensure privacy due to the participants being minors.

Mr. Jacques recognized Mr. Shaun Roberts. Esq. for serving as the Oakwood Teen Court Advisor for the past 22 years.

Mr. Roberts shared that he was appointed as Teen Court Advisor in 1999, replacing Tom Talbot, Jr. He recalled the ages of his children when he started, and commented that the teen judges that were on the court when he started in 1999 are now older than he was when he took over. He thanked the city of Oakwood, and shared his appreciation to the Oakwood Public Safety Department and city staff members for their continued participation and support of this program. Mr. Roberts closed his comments by saying that it has been a privilege to learn from the bright young kids, and that he is departing from the role with more knowledge than what he came in with.

City Council thanked Mr. Roberts for his service to the Oakwood community.

Mr. Jacques then introduced Mr. Chris Conard, Esq. as the newly appointed Teen Court Advisor.

Mr. Conard shared that he has been practicing law for the past 30 years and is honored to serve the citizens of Oakwood. He said that the role of any juvenile court is focusing on the best interest of the children. He looks forward to promoting civic engagement and helping the kids to understand that everyone makes mistakes, but that doesn't mean they have to pay for them the rest of their life.

City Council welcomed Mr. Conard to the Teen Court Advisor role.